Monaco admit interest in Lampard signing

Monaco have admitted an interest in Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard but claimed there is "nothing concrete" in place at the moment.

Lampard, 34, is expected to leave Chelsea this summer after interim manager Rafael Benitez said he does not expect the England international to be offered a new contract.

There has been worldwide interest in his availability, with clubs from England, China, and the United States all linked with moves but Ligue 2 leaders Monaco hold an unlikely trump card.

Claudio Ranieri, who signed Lampard for Chelsea from West Ham in 2001, is reportedly keen to secure his services for a second time.

When asked about their interest a Monaco official told French newspaper L'Equipe: "There is nothing concrete."

Lampard will be able to depart Stamford Bridge on a free transfer this summer if he doesn't sign a contract extension, and he will be eligible to talk to foreign clubs and agree a pre-contract deal in January 2013.